I'm very new here and have been reading like crazy all day. so many beautiful curls and waves!!

I've been CG for about 7 years and my hair has changed so much in those years. when I started I would say I was 3b.

But now a days it seems sometimes my hair is 2b or 2c (first pic from christmas 2 years ago)

Then there is today... I don't know what happened but it was a disaster (3rd pic, took at work today) it was flat and stringy and frizzy and yuk... it was so bad, and after looking at beautiful curls all day on this forum I decided to do my hair again to see if I could make it look better. The third pic is the result. Not bad and seems like it's almost 3a but this is seconds after i'm done diffusing, in 30 minutes the bottom layer will be flat (last pic is of my weak wavy under layer right after diffusing.

I guess that means I'm a combo but I thought I would try to get some opinions here.

Also now that my hair is looking, I'm about to go to bed and I've never had luck with second day hair. I usually tie it back in a tight bun till the next time I condition (I don't use shampoo, only no poo once or twice a week).

Does anyone have any tips for how I can sleep with this hair and revive it in the morning enough that I can pull off wearing it down?

Thanks everyone, I'm very excited about finally joining this community of curly and wavy heads!!

Hey! I'm sorry I'm not much help but just wanted to say welcome! I'm still struggling in my curly journey it looks like we have similar hair and mine is going the same thing as yours! The ladies here can help I'm sure!

Your hair looks just like mine. I would also say 3a. Product combos and techniques can have a huge impact on how wavy or curly my hair looks from day to day (according to Andre Walker's book it's very easy to make 3a hair look like 2c hair, but not the other way around). As I've been narrowing down the right products, I've been able to get more consistency from day to day.

Your hair looks like mine except more consistent and less frizzy. LOVE it! I'd say 3a I think--does it get curlier or straighter when shorter?

Originally Posted by StellarCurls

I would say that when its longer it has less volume but more curls (and more friz) ... my hair will only curl a certain amount within a certain distance. So longer locks means my hair has more room to curl around and around and around. but the longer it is the the more the hair around my roots looks flat. I get a lot of compliments on my hair when it's longer but my issue is that the straight strands (right behind my ear and at the nape) grow longer faster than the curly strands (for obvious reasons) and they end up looking stringy and gross.

I also can't seem to pull off a pony tail when my hair is long. it just looks limp and sad. But when it's shorter like it is now its this curly poofy fun thing on the back of my head.

Your hair looks just like mine. I would also say 3a. Product combos and techniques can have a huge impact on how wavy or curly my hair looks from day to day (according to Andre Walker's book it's very easy to make 3a hair look like 2c hair, but not the other way around). As I've been narrowing down the right products, I've been able to get more consistency from day to day.

Sent from my BlackBerry 9800 using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by Corrina777

I think you are right Corrina, last night I used Deva no friz volumizing foam with just a couple spritz of the spray gel. I'm starting to learn my hair like light products and I have to be VERY careful not to use too much.

Your hair looks like mine except more consistent and less frizzy. LOVE it! I'd say 3a I think--does it get curlier or straighter when shorter?

Originally Posted by StellarCurls

I would say that when its longer it has less volume but more curls (and more friz) ... my hair will only curl a certain amount within a certain distance. So longer locks means my hair has more room to curl around and around and around. but the longer it is the the more the hair around my roots looks flat. I get a lot of compliments on my hair when it's longer but my issue is that the straight strands (right behind my ear and at the nape) grow longer faster than the curly strands (for obvious reasons) and they end up looking stringy and gross.

I also can't seem to pull off a pony tail when my hair is long. it just looks limp and sad. But when it's shorter like it is now its this curly poofy fun thing on the back of my head.

Your hair looks just like mine. I would also say 3a. Product combos and techniques can have a huge impact on how wavy or curly my hair looks from day to day (according to Andre Walker's book it's very easy to make 3a hair look like 2c hair, but not the other way around). As I've been narrowing down the right products, I've been able to get more consistency from day to day.

Sent from my BlackBerry 9800 using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by Corrina777

I think you are right Corrina, last night I used Deva no friz volumizing foam with just a couple spritz of the spray gel. I'm starting to learn my hair like light products and I have to be VERY careful not to use too much.

Thanks everyone!

Originally Posted by Ljpizzo

I generally spend a lot more time on the 2s forum (I had the same 2c v 3a confusion for my first 6 months- and after that I've just found it to be a much more active forum). This was where my product choices differ the most from many wavies. Many of the wavies that I talk to are looking for ultra mega super stiff hold and lots of "grabbiness" in their products. I find that my hair does better when I use thinner and less grabby products. I do still like a good amount of hold (more hold does seem to reduce the frizz), but hold is secondary to consistency for me. My three favorite gels for this are Biotera (at Sally's), AG Curl Liquid Effects Gel, and Curly Sexy Hair Liquid Curling Gel. All have good hold to prevent my hair from turning into a frizzy poofball as it dries, but a thin enough consistency that they allow my curls to start to spring up as my hair dries (and to continue to spring up further after I SOTC).

I'd call your hair 3a, and what Corinna describes is exactly what my hair does too, I just dont do well with ultra hard hold & grabby stuff. My hair has days where it looks more 2c but it behaves like 3a & the texture is fine like Walker described 3a to be. But I still hang out on the 2 board because it is more active you have beautiful curls!

Sent from my PG06100 using CurlTalk App

fine, thin, normal/(low?) porosity. Mod-CG. Usually I can't co-wash more than 1x a week, & sometimes I have to use T-Gel in rotation due to scalp issues.

Your hair looks like mine except more consistent and less frizzy. LOVE it! I'd say 3a I think--does it get curlier or straighter when shorter?

Originally Posted by StellarCurls

I would say that when its longer it has less volume but more curls (and more friz) ... my hair will only curl a certain amount within a certain distance. So longer locks means my hair has more room to curl around and around and around. but the longer it is the the more the hair around my roots looks flat. I get a lot of compliments on my hair when it's longer but my issue is that the straight strands (right behind my ear and at the nape) grow longer faster than the curly strands (for obvious reasons) and they end up looking stringy and gross.

I also can't seem to pull off a pony tail when my hair is long. it just looks limp and sad. But when it's shorter like it is now its this curly poofy fun thing on the back of my head.

Your hair looks just like mine. I would also say 3a. Product combos and techniques can have a huge impact on how wavy or curly my hair looks from day to day (according to Andre Walker's book it's very easy to make 3a hair look like 2c hair, but not the other way around). As I've been narrowing down the right products, I've been able to get more consistency from day to day.

Sent from my BlackBerry 9800 using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by Corrina777

I think you are right Corrina, last night I used Deva no friz volumizing foam with just a couple spritz of the spray gel. I'm starting to learn my hair like light products and I have to be VERY careful not to use too much.

Thanks everyone!

Originally Posted by Ljpizzo

I generally spend a lot more time on the 2s forum (I had the same 2c v 3a confusion for my first 6 months- and after that I've just found it to be a much more active forum). This was where my product choices differ the most from many wavies. Many of the wavies that I talk to are looking for ultra mega super stiff hold and lots of "grabbiness" in their products. I find that my hair does better when I use thinner and less grabby products. I do still like a good amount of hold (more hold does seem to reduce the frizz), but hold is secondary to consistency for me. My three favorite gels for this are Biotera (at Sally's), AG Curl Liquid Effects Gel, and Curly Sexy Hair Liquid Curling Gel. All have good hold to prevent my hair from turning into a frizzy poofball as it dries, but a thin enough consistency that they allow my curls to start to spring up as my hair dries (and to continue to spring up further after I SOTC).

Sent from my BlackBerry 9800 using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by Corrina777

Gah, when I went to Devachan a couple weeks ago I spent a fortune on Deva curl products, including the new Ultra defining gel and now I wish I hadn't, because it make my hair stiff and weighed down. I have to wait and go through some of these fail products before I can spend a dime on anything else. booooo (I think i like the frizz free volumizing foam though)

But I'm gonna write down your fav gels to try for when I run out of this crap... maybe I can water it down or something.

If you dont like it, put it on the swap board! I have some stuff cluttering up my cabinets I desperately need to post on there & get rid of. I refuse to use something I dont like just to get rid of it.

I actually have the Ultra Defining Gel on my wish list. I found Deva products to have a learning curve- a lot of people do move on to other products, but I like to try Deva products because I can get them on the ground (I'm willing to get my CHS stuff from online, but so far I haven't liked anything else enough to deal with online ordering).

If you dont like it, put it on the swap board! I have some stuff cluttering up my cabinets I desperately need to post on there & get rid of. I refuse to use something I dont like just to get rid of it.

Sent from my PG06100 using CurlTalk App

Originally Posted by lcl0706

I didn't even notice there was a swap board!!! How cool!! I will probably put that Deva mirror curls... I think that is meant for someone with coarser hair than mine.

I actually have the Ultra Defining Gel on my wish list. I found Deva products to have a learning curve- a lot of people do move on to other products, but I like to try Deva products because I can get them on the ground (I'm willing to get my CHS stuff from online, but so far I haven't liked anything else enough to deal with online ordering).

Sent from my BlackBerry 9800 using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by Corrina777

I think I'm going to try the ultra defining gel one more time... and use less of it. My biggest problem I think is I use too much and my hair gets sticky and stringy. but I agree with Deva products having a learning curve.

I've never tried a Deva product, I might see whats up on the swap board. I know KCCC has a learning curve, I love the concept of it & it doesnt feel sticky or heavy but so far havent loved my hair with it yet. Ive tried using minute amts & using more of it & it either does nothing, or looks great at first but feels gross by the end of the day.

Sent from my PG06100 using CurlTalk App

fine, thin, normal/(low?) porosity. Mod-CG. Usually I can't co-wash more than 1x a week, & sometimes I have to use T-Gel in rotation due to scalp issues.

I rarely answer hair type questions because it's transient for many of us. I started out as a winter wavy/summer 3a. Then, I started to lurk on nc.com. I learned to use products/treatments/techniques--and now my hair looks like my signature picture all of the time.

My hair doesn't care for the chemicals in the hard hold (or any gel with polyquats, etc.) I don't use or need them, as my curl pattern has strengthened since I've learned to take care of my hair. Not sure about "grabby" products. It's never been a concept I've understood. So, I suspect that I don't need or look for them.

The first time I used KCCC, I had the best day ever--up until that point. I used it for a while and then moved on to other things. A few months ago, I tried it with CK Curlycue ReNew. It's now one of my two REAL HG combos (the other is CK Satin Roots/Coil Jam) that I save for days I want my hair to look fabulous. Right now, that's the only time I use it (and only once a week or less.)

Wow we have very similar hair except yours is my dream color! Mine is more damaged and frizzy than yours but the pattern is similar and mine will go flat and wavy like that too. What helped for me was a haircut and long layers, which I know everyone says that it helps but it made such a difference in my hair. I don't know my stylist did it but she made it so the dead ends were cut and layers were put in but it didnt look like i had any length cut off...That helped the flatness and the curl formation, as did protein and deep treatments. Glad everything worked out for you though!

Hi Ljpizzo I know you posted this a while ago, but I just wanted to tell you that what you wrote about your hair describes my hair exactly. I've been feeling like my hair is more 2c lately too, especially when I see pictures of my hair where is looks noticeably more curly. But I've been growing my hair out, and I think the length pulls out some of the curl.

2c/3a, botticelli/wavy/'swavy (huh?)

fine, dense, normal porosity/elasticity, dry climate

My favorite brands are Kinky Curly, As I am, Curly Kinks, Curl Junkie, and Darcy's Botanicals. Also love sealing with oils (loving argan oil right now) and styling with jelly products (KCCC is my current favorite). Mostly trying to keep it simple!

Hi Ljpizzo I know you posted this a while ago, but I just wanted to tell you that what you wrote about your hair describes my hair exactly. I've been feeling like my hair is more 2c lately too, especially when I see pictures of my hair where is looks noticeably more curly. But I've been growing my hair out, and I think the length pulls out some of the curl.

Originally Posted by jsuzkelley

Ya know based on me stalking around CurlTalk, and seeing your pics I wanna say we have very similar hair. It's funny because Since I joined I also discovered the Wavy Hair Community on facebook and I haven't shown my face much on there since then. Its funny that this long later I go look at the 3a thread and there is my post right at the top!

Thank you everyone for the nice words! Since I posted this I have become a total PJ and products and techniques definitely help a lot. The biggest struggle I'm having still is that the hair on my crown is vastly different than the rest... I could almost map out my scalp and tell you where the 3b/3a region (crown), the 2c region (around my face), the 2b region is my under layer and the pesky hairs right around my ears are 2b after I SOTC and then go to 2a or some of them are completely straight at the end of the day.

I love my hair but I wish it would all be the same!!! there is nothing I hate more than beautiful ringlets sitting next to straight stringlets!

I have the same problem my hair can't decide what it is, and never looks the same two washes in a row! I have even had days where I had 2C, 3A, 3B, 3C and 4A all appear in my hair. I can't explain that, it is like each clump has its own type. Who knows why this happens!

I am just learning to live with it...and to try different techniques - so far Rudeechick's SuperSoaker method has worked best to give me some uniformity of curl, along with TiGi products (Loveee the curls rock curl amplifier!) and coconut oil DT's. I suspect each curly has her/his own journey to follow, and to learn to understand your own hair, and its prefs ;p sorry that I can't help you more than to share my own experience...

The only other thing that I can think of that would help is a kind of pick comb I picked up at Sally's beauty supply store, it is round and has a round handle and the picks are all different heights and lengths. It slips right into/out of hair, and it can help you curl stubborn pieces with your blowdryer...without damaging your hair. Anyways good luck with your stubborn side pieces

Ya know based on me stalking around CurlTalk, and seeing your pics I wanna say we have very similar hair. It's funny because Since I joined I also discovered the Wavy Hair Community on facebook and I haven't shown my face much on there since then. Its funny that this long later I go look at the 3a thread and there is my post right at the top!

Thank you everyone for the nice words! Since I posted this I have become a total PJ and products and techniques definitely help a lot. The biggest struggle I'm having still is that the hair on my crown is vastly different than the rest... I could almost map out my scalp and tell you where the 3b/3a region (crown), the 2c region (around my face), the 2b region is my under layer and the pesky hairs right around my ears are 2b after I SOTC and then go to 2a or some of them are completely straight at the end of the day.

I love my hair but I wish it would all be the same!!! there is nothing I hate more than beautiful ringlets sitting next to straight stringlets!

Originally Posted by Ljpizzo

That's funny - my underneath is more 2b also, but my technique has gotten better at getting that section to curl up more. And surprisingly, the length helps with that section. But my 3a (sometimes even 3b) parts are the front sections around my face, especially above my ears, and the back and canopy is my 2c section. Most of the time I just don't worry about it. If I really want my curls to be more uniform, then I will take some extra time to twirl different sections.

2c/3a, botticelli/wavy/'swavy (huh?)

fine, dense, normal porosity/elasticity, dry climate

My favorite brands are Kinky Curly, As I am, Curly Kinks, Curl Junkie, and Darcy's Botanicals. Also love sealing with oils (loving argan oil right now) and styling with jelly products (KCCC is my current favorite). Mostly trying to keep it simple!

That's funny - my underneath is more 2b also, but my technique has gotten better at getting that section to curl up more. And surprisingly, the length helps with that section. But my 3a (sometimes even 3b) parts are the front sections around my face, especially above my ears, and the back and canopy is my 2c section. Most of the time I just don't worry about it. If I really want my curls to be more uniform, then I will take some extra time to twirl different sections.

Originally Posted by jsuzkelley

This sounds exactly like my hair!
I started out almost 1,5 years ago with 2a tailbone length hair. Now my hair is a mix from 2b/2c/3a and some days even 3b (especially round my ears) hair! It's mid-back now, so that might have something to do with it (I've had it cut at least half its original length since I started CG)
Some hair feels fine others feel coarse (canopy), the coarse ones act more like 2c. Confused already :-/? Well, I am at some days. LOL
I'll have to agree with Corinna about using less grabby products. At first this worked great for me, but these days my hair gets more volume and curl with less grabby products. You could say that when my hair's clumping too much, that pulls out the curl and makes my hair more wavy.